Abstract

The purpose of this study is to Assessment of Youth age (15 -30) years Knowledge and Perception on HIV Prevention in Molyko Community HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), first identified in the early 1980s, and has had a profound impact on global health, particularly in Africa.

HIV is believed to have originated from chimpanzees and crossed over to humans in Central Africa in the early 20th century. Method. A cross sectional descriptive study that relied on quantitative methods of data. Results. 52%of the participants had poor knowledge on HIV transmission routes while only 48% had good knowledge on HIV transmission.

Result and conclusion 51%of the participants had good Perception regarding HIV infection while 49% had poor Perception regarding HIV infection 59%of the participant’s poor practice on HIV prevention While only 41% yes, had good on HIV prevention. Recommendation.

The following are recommendations for future health education and policy interventions to improve youth age 15-30 years knowledge and perception on HIV prevention in Molyko Community Health workers should be send in the community for sensitization on the perception on HIV prevention in Molyko Community Fliers and other educative programs containing information educating about on perception on HIV prevention in Molyko Community. Should be boldly printed pasted on the street, gate post of schools, bars, club, motor packs, and market place hospital.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to study

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), first identified in the early 1980s, has had a profound impact on global health, particularly in Africa. HIV is believed to have originated from chimpanzees and crossed over to humans in Central Africa in the early 20th century. The virus gained global attention in the 1980s when cases of a new and deadly immune deficiency syndrome were reported in the United States and Europe (Gallo, 1983). Africa has been disproportionately affected by the HIV pandemic.

According to UNAIDS, by the end of 2020, an estimated 38 million people were living with HIV worldwide, with the majority residing in sub-Saharan Africa (UNAIDS, 2021). Factors such as high prevalence rates, limited healthcare infrastructure, and poverty have contributed to the rapid spread of the virus in this region (Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, 2019).The impact of HIV in Africa has been multi-faceted and far-reaching.

The epidemic has strained healthcare systems, leading to increased mortality rates and a loss of productive workforce (Bongaarts & Over, 2018). Furthermore, HIV has exacerbated existing social and economic disparities, particularly among women and marginalized communities (Stover et al., 2019). The global response to HIV has evolved over time. In the early years of the epidemic, efforts focused on prevention and raising awareness.

The development of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in the mid-1990s revolutionized HIV treatment, significantly improving the quality of life and life expectancy of people living with HIV (Palella et al., 1998). However, access to treatment remains a challenge in many resource-limited settings, including Africa (UNAIDS, 2021).Prevention efforts have played a crucial role in curbing the spread of HIV. These include condom distribution, harm reduction programs, promotion of safe injection practices, voluntary counseling and testing, and the implementation of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) (World Health Organization, 2019).

A critical aspect of HIV prevention is the knowledge and awareness of the disease among young individuals. Several studies have assessed the level of HIV knowledge among youth in Molyko. For instance, a study conducted by Akenji et al. (2017) found that a significant proportion of youth in Molyko had limited knowledge about HIV transmission, prevention methods, and the importance of regular testing.

This lack of knowledge may contribute to risky behaviors and hinder effective prevention efforts. Understanding how young individuals perceive their risk and vulnerability to HIV is crucial for designing effective prevention interventions. Research conducted in Molyko has shown that many youth underestimate their risk of acquiring HIV.

They may hold misconceptions about who is at risk, believing that only certain groups or individuals engage in high-risk behavior This perception of low risk can lead to complacency and a lack of preventive measures (Palella et al.2021).Identifying the barriers that hinder youth from adopting HIV prevention practices is essential for targeted interventions.

Studies conducted in Molyko have highlighted various barriers, including stigma and discrimination associated with HIV, lack of access to comprehensive sexual education, and limited availability of HIV testing and counseling services (Bamenda Regional Hospital, 2019; Kuate Defoe et al., 2020). These barriers can deter young individuals from seeking information and engaging in preventive behaviors. Efforts to improve HIV prevention among youth in Molyko should consider evidence-based strategies.

For example, comprehensive sexual education programs have shown promising results in increasing knowledge, promoting safer sexual practices, and reducing risky behaviors among young people (Kuate Defo et al., 2020). Additionally, community-based interventions, peer education programs, and the involvement of local stakeholders have been effective in addressing the specific needs and challenges faced by youth in the community (Bamenda Regional Hospital, 2019).

1.2 Problem Statement

Despite the availability of extensive HIV prevention information and interventions, there is a need to assess the knowledge and perception of youth aged 15-30 years in the Molyko community regarding HIV prevention. The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes the importance of assessing knowledge and perception of HIV prevention among youth, as it plays a critical role in shaping preventive behaviors and reducing HIV transmission (WHO, 2019). Studies have shown that youth populations, particularly those in the age range of 15-30 years, may have gaps in their knowledge and misconceptions about HIV prevention methods (Akpabio et al., 2018; Alemu et al., 2019).

Furthermore, the context-specific factors, such as cultural norms and socioeconomic conditions, influence the perception of HIV prevention among youth in specific communities (UNESCO, 2018). Therefore, it is crucial to assess the knowledge and perception of youth in the Molyko community to tailor effective and culturally appropriate interventions. The problem statement highlights the need to understand the knowledge and perception of youth aged 15-30 years in the Molyko community regarding HIV prevention. By identifying gaps and misconceptions, appropriate interventions can be developed to enhance HIV prevention efforts and reduce the incidence of HIV transmission in this specific population.

1.3 Objectives Study

1.3.1 General Objectives

To assess youth age 15-30 years knowledge and perception on hiv prevention in molyko community

1.3.2 Specific Objectives

1. To assess the level of knowledge among youth in the Molyko community regarding HIV transmission routes,
2. To assess the perception of youth in the Molyko community regarding HIV infection
3. To assess youth practice in the Molyko community regarding HIV prevention

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